7000 years ago
Long before Spier was a name, the area was home to the hunter-gatherer San people. Their history is a vital part of our land’s story.
500AD - 1690
The Cochoqua people of the pastoral khoikhoi nations graze their livestock in the region, and build their homesteads (kraals) along the rivers.
1652
The Cape of Good Hope was founded by Dutch navigator Jan van Riebeeck, leading to the first vines being planted in the Cape.
1658
The arrival of the first slaves in the Cape is a solemn chapter in our history. We acknowledge this painful past and are committed to learning and growing from it.
1659
Governor and Dutch settler Jan Van Riebeeck crafts the first Cape Wine in Wynberg. This moment marks the beginning of our country's journey into winemaking, a journey we're proud to be a part of.
1679
Governor Simon van der Stel founded Stellenbosch, giving it his name.
1682
Stellenbosch became known for its majestic oaks, planted on the advice of Simon van der Stel. Many of these ancient oaks still grow on Spier today, including the grand oak at the heart of our werf. They stand alongside other indigenous species like the Cape Willow, Wild Peach, and Breede River Yellowwood, as well as various reeds and sedges. These trees and plants are living links to the farm’s early colonial history.
1683
Arnoud Jansz settles on the Spier Farm.
1692
Governor Simon van der Stel signs the first Spier Title Deed when granting the property to Arnoud Jansz.
1754
Over 30 000 vines are grown on Spier, one of the best producers of quality wine in the region.
1767
Albertus Myburgh, owner at the time, builds his Wine Cellar, with the holbol gable dating to 1767.
1773
Shed or Cow House centre gable is built.
1778
Jonkershuis Workshop centre gable is built.
1812
Old Kitchen centre gable is built
1817
Jonkershuis centre gable is built.
1822
Manor House centre gable is added.
1825
The Slave Bell, built by Andries Christoffel Van der Byl near the Eerste River, was a product of a time when the estate relied heavily on the labour of a great number of slaves to harvest grapes from its 80,000 vines. Today, this bell stands on our farm not just as a historical artefact, but as a poignant reminder of a painful past. Its presence symbolises our ongoing commitment to acknowledging and addressing the injustices of history as we strive towards a future of equality and respect.
1834
Slavery is abolished but slaves must serve a four–year apprenticeship period before they are freed. We recognize this period as a significant step in our collective journey towards freedom and equality.
1965
Neil Joubert acquires Spier
1971
We bottle our first wine under the Spier label.
1971
The Stellenbosch Wine Route is established by Neil Joubert from Spier, Frans Malan from Simonsig and Spatz Sperling from Delheim.
1995
A new wine cellar is built with a capacity to produce 50 000 cases of wine per year.
2000
The Spier Hotel opens.
2008
Spier releases its flagship wine, Frans K Smit, in a tribute to the man who built Spier's reputation for great winemaking.
2008
The Spier Manor House undergoes extensive restoration.
2012
We introduced the Gables audio walk and unveiled 'The Dying Slave', a 42,6sqm outdoor mosaic sculpture conceived by Marco Cianfanelli and created by Spier Architectural Art. Both are ways we keep the past alive through art.
2014
Spier wins the BASA Chairman’s Premier award in recognition of its "sustained and extraordinary commitment to the arts" in South Africa.
2015
Following a three-year conversion process initiated in 2011, the Spier farm is organically certified in 2014 and harvests its first organic grapes in 2015 to produce the Farm House range.
2016
Spier wins the Gold the African Responsible Tourism Awards in the category Best for Accommodation for Responsible Employment.
2017
The Spier Mosaic Kraal, South Africa’s first permanent outdoor exhibition of mosaic, opens at Spier.
2017
Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2015 wins the inaugural Veritas Vertex Award.
2018
Spier launches Growing for Good, investing in initiatives that empower our communities to make a positive social and environmental change.
2018
Spier wins the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2018 South African Producer of the Year.
2018
Spier wins the Amorim Biodiversity Award at the Drinks Business Green Awards Ceremony.
2020
Spier established the Elemental Garden, an exploratory garden inspired by the four elements.
2021
Spier receives top honours with the Duimpie Bayly Veritas Vertex Award for the Spier Creative Block 5 2018.
2021
Spier wins Platter's by Diners Club South African Wine Guide Editor’s Award - Winery of the Year in recognition of our team's performance and track record, as well as our outstanding international representation of South African wine.
2022
Spier wins the Ethical Award at the Drinks Business Green Awards Ceremony.
2022
The beautifully restored Manor House opens to host small, intimate food and wine experiences.